Essex Gardens
EPA ID: CT0500021 · 72 people served · 18 ZIP codes
Within the EPA compliance database, Essex Gardens shows 2 violations still pending resolution — a status that applies across the full service territory of approximately 72 people and reflects findings that have not yet cleared the federal enforcement process or received formal closure.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Essex Gardens Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade D
Service Area Demographics
The Essex Gardens serves a community with a median household income of $74,623 and an estimated 233,211 residents across its service area. Approximately 82% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Essex Gardens's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.
Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 69th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites. Groundwater sources near contaminated sites may face elevated risk from industrial chemicals.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Essex Gardens compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Surface Water Treatment Rule at 4 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Stage 1 DBP Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Stage 2 DBP Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
PFAS Detected in Service Area
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 70 detections recorded. 20 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).
Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in Connecticut
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
Essex Gardens (EPA ID: CT0500021) is a community water system in Connecticut that serves approximately 72 people from groundwater sources.
This system provides water to 18 ZIP codes across 7 communities.
Average Home Safety Score: D (46/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 17, 2024 | Stage 2 DBP Rule | Health-based | Unresolved |
| October 17, 2024 | Stage 2 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| September 29, 2024 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| December 30, 2023 | Stage 1 DBP Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| August 10, 2023 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Failure | 4 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 2 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Failure | 2 | Yes |
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06828 | 0.0018 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
Coverage: 1 ZIP code confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 17 additional ZIPs inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.
- 06426 — Essex
- 06442 — Ivoryton
- 06601 — Bridgeport
- 06602 — Bridgeport
- 06604 — Bridgeport
- 06605 — Bridgeport
- 06606 — Bridgeport
- 06607 — Bridgeport
- 06608 — Bridgeport
- 06610 — Bridgeport
- 06615 — Stratford
- 06673 — Bridgeport
- 06699 — Bridgeport
- 06824 — Fairfield
- 06825 — Fairfield
- 06828 — Fairfield
- 06838 — Greens Farms
- 06890 — Southport
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Essex Gardens (CT0500021) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Essex Gardens water safe to drink?
Essex Gardens has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.
How many people does Essex Gardens serve?
Essex Gardens serves approximately 72 people across 18 ZIP codes in Connecticut.
Where does Essex Gardens get its water?
The primary water source is groundwater.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Essex Gardens (EPA ID: CT0500021) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.